Understanding the Lack of Local Storage on Tend Cameras
If you're a Tend Secure camera owner and have been searching for the microSD card slot, you may have discovered that your particular model doesn't have one. This can be confusing, especially when many other camera brands offer local storage as a standard feature. The reality is that many Tend cameras were designed from the ground up to be cloud-centric devices.
This guide explains why your Tend camera may not have local storage, the reasoning behind this design, and what your options are for video storage.
Why Tend Cameras Prioritise Cloud Storage
The decision to exclude local storage on many Tend models was a deliberate design choice centred on security and accessibility.
- Enhanced Security: The primary benefit of cloud storage is security against theft. If an intruder breaks into your home and steals the camera, they have also stolen your evidence if it's stored on a local SD card. With cloud storage, the footage is instantly uploaded to a secure, off-site server. Even if the camera is destroyed or taken, your recordings remain safe and accessible to you and law enforcement.
- Accessibility: Cloud storage allows you to access your recorded clips from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. You can log into your Tend app on any smartphone and review your history without needing physical access to the camera or a storage device.
- Simplicity and Reliability: By removing the need for a physical SD card, the design is simplified. Users don't have to worry about SD card corruption, formatting issues, or the card reaching its end-of-life, which are common points of failure in cameras that rely on them.
What This Means for You
For users of Tend cameras without an SD card slot, it means that video storage is tied to the Tend Secure Cloud Storage service.
- Subscription-Based: To save and review video clips, a subscription to one of their cloud plans is required. These plans typically offer different tiers based on how long you want to store your video history (e.g., 7, 30, or 60 days).
- No Physical Media Needed: You will not be able to insert a microSD card, USB drive, or any other physical storage medium into the camera. The hardware and firmware are not equipped to handle it.
- Live Viewing is Unaffected: It's important to note that the lack of storage does not affect your ability to view the camera's live stream. You can always see what's happening in real-time through the app. The storage plan only applies to recorded clips triggered by motion.
Alternatives if Local Storage is a Must-Have
We understand that for some users, local storage is a non-negotiable feature, whether for privacy reasons, to avoid subscription fees, or for use in areas with intermittent internet. If your Tend camera doesn't meet your needs, you may want to consider other options in the market.
When shopping for a new camera, look for these specific features on the product's specification sheet:
- microSD Card Slot: The product description should explicitly state that it has a slot and mention the maximum card capacity (e.g., 'Supports up to 128GB microSD card').
- 24/7 Recording to SD: Some cameras only use the SD card for motion clips. If you want continuous recording, ensure the camera supports this specific feature.
- RTSP/ONVIF Support: For advanced users, these protocols allow you to stream the camera's feed to a local Network Video Recorder (NVR) or other third-party software for more robust local storage solutions.
While your Tend camera may not offer local storage, it provides a streamlined and secure cloud-based experience. Understanding this design choice helps you use the product as intended or make an informed decision about finding an alternative that better suits your personal security strategy.